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Archive for July 16th, 2010

Americans and enterprising foreigners choosing a vacation trip that makes nature the focus might consider camping in NC. For those who are unfamiliar with the state, you need to know first of all that there are three identifiable regions: the mountains in the west, the Atlantic coast on the east and the Piedmont heartland. With the Atlantic to the east, North Carolina has Tennessee on its western border, Virginia on its north, and Georgia and South Carolina to the south. There are many, many locations to choose, offering campers of all types something they would like. These include the Linville Gorge, Mount Mitchell, the Blue Ridge Parkway, national forests, waterfalls, hiking trails, bike trails and horse trails amongst the sites to enjoy.

Camping locations in North Carolina

You can refine your options by deciding what kind of camping experience you want: roughing it; or, with public showers and running water; or, renting cabins of your own; or, taking your RV to a RV park? Are you also looking for some special events nearby like festivals?

Some tips for travelers

Research is critical. Spend a little time on the computer or the phone to save yourself from unexpected surprises. Needless to say, the state offers resources to help you explore your options; and there are certainly many other online sites available.

Please note that if you have a mind to use objects to claim a campsite position, they are not recognized as devices to be used for this purpose in national parks. You need to set up tents. Any objects you use to make your claim will be removed.

Locating the destination of choice

There is an array of informative websites to help you find your campground of choice. General sites or specific sites like those for national and state parks or individual websites for the various camping grounds. According to the guidebook The Best In Tent Camping: The Southern Appalachian & Smoky Mountains published by the Menasha Ridge Press, the top 10 destinations for camping in tents are: the Black Mountain Campground in Burnsville, NC; Standing Indian Campground in Franklin, NC; Camping on Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Buxton, NC; Linville Falls Campground in Spruce Pine, NC; Carolina Beach State Park Campground in Carolina Beach, NC; Lake James State Park Campground in Morgantown, NC; Camping & Cabins on Cape Lookout National Seashore in Harkers Island, NC; Mount Mitchell State Park in Asheville, NC; Badin Lake Campground in Troy, NC; and North Mills River Campground in Asheville, NC. In the top 20 are included some outstanding destinations. However, it is important to keep in mind that whatever your desire there is a place for you.

How to make the most of your experience

With a little preparation and planning, camping in North Carolina can be the family trip experience that creates great memories.